Patents by Inventor Douglas D. LeClear
Douglas D. LeClear has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20120324915Abstract: An ice making assembly and method utilizes a housing having an upper fluid chamber, a plurality of distinct, substantially vertical fluid channels, and at least one drain aperture in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. Ice forming members extend from an ice forming evaporator into respective fluid channels. During an ice making event, fluid continuously supplied to the upper fluid chamber flows into each of the fluid channels and out through at least one drain aperture into a fluid reservoir below. The ice forming members are cooled such that fluid flowing across the fluid channels freezes on the ice forming members over time, forming clear ice pieces. The ice pieces are subsequently released from the ice forming members and transferred for storage and/or dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: ANDERSON BORTOLETTO, NIHAT CUR, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, ANDREW M. TENBARGE, RONALD L. VOGLEWEDE
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Patent number: 8299656Abstract: A refrigerator module connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source. The feature module connection system includes a utility source that has a connection capable of removably engaging the feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device, such as a reed switch, a DIP switch, or a comparator circuit, that operates to detect when the feature module is connected to the utility source. One or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Robert Ryan Bradley, James W. Kendall, Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. LeClear, Alan S. Lucas, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 8281608Abstract: The tubular conduit system of this invention allows modules requiring utilities to be positioned at any desired location within a cabinet, such as a refrigerator. The conduit is mounted to the cabinet of a refrigerator/freezer or the doors thereof and includes at least one electrical conductor positioned between the outer and inner walls and at least one fluid conduit within the inner wall. The conduit can be made of joined sections using connectors to also couple a module to the conduit such that modules can be installed at consumer selected locations prior to delivery of the refrigerator/freezer to the consumer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. Leclear
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Publication number: 20120144775Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. ALLARD, Douglas D. LECLEAR, Karen J. QUERFURTH, Andrew M. TENBARGE, John J. VONDERHAAR, Michele E. WILCOX
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Publication number: 20120132292Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a vacuum source and a food storage compartment including a drawer unit having a storage space. The food storage compartment is operable between a substantially air-tight retracted position and an open extended position. A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit during an evacuation event. A sealing unit includes a base connected to the drawer unit. A sealing bracket is hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position. A heat sealing bar is disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket. A control system is operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate the evacuation event when the drawer unit is in the air-tight retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. ALLARD, Douglas D. LECLEAR
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Patent number: 8176746Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear, Karen J. Querfurth, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
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Patent number: 8161768Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door having an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component has a base removably connected to the interior side of the door. A component door is hingedly-connected to the base and includes a viewing area. The component door is operable between an open position and a closed position and the base and the component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. An air hose extends from the modular component. The air hose has a proximal end and a distal end. A fastener system is disposed on one of the component door and the base. The fastener system is adapted to engage with the first fasteners to create a seal between the component door and the base. A heat sealer is disposed on one of the base and the component door.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
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Patent number: 8127561Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a vacuum source and a food storage compartment including a drawer unit having a storage space. The food storage compartment is operable between a substantially air-tight retracted position and an open extended position. A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit during an evacuation event. A sealing unit includes a base connected to the drawer unit. A sealing bracket is hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position. A heat sealing bar is disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket. A control system is operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate the evacuation event when the drawer unit is in the air-tight retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear
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Publication number: 20110204762Abstract: A domestic refrigerator includes a housing having a refrigerated compartment defined therein, and a sliding drawer positioned in the refrigerated compartment. The sliding drawer has a storage chamber defined therein, and a mounting bracket is secured to the sliding drawer and extends into the storage chamber. The domestic refrigerator also includes a plurality of interchangeable utility modules that are configured to be positioned within the storage chamber of the sliding drawer. Each of the plurality of the interchangeable utility modules includes a mounting bracket sized and configured to be separately mated with the mounting bracket of the sliding drawer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: REBECCA M. EUBANKS, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, KAREN J. QUERFURTH, MICHELE E. WILCOX
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Patent number: 7980088Abstract: A modular system comprises an appliance, an adapter removably coupled to the appliance, and a consumer electronic device removably coupled to the adapter. The adapter can supply at least one wireless service between the adapter or the appliance and the consumer electronic device. The adapter can be removably coupled to a door of the appliance. A standardized service interface can couple with the adapter to supply the service between the appliance and the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Douglas D. LeClear, Richard A. McCoy
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Publication number: 20110138842Abstract: A refrigerator including a cabinet having a cabinet door pivotally connected thereto. A primary ice bin is disposed on one of the cabinet and the cabinet door and includes a primary gate operable between a closed position and an open position. A secondary ice bin is disposed on the other of the cabinet and the cabinet door. The secondary ice bin includes a secondary gate operable between a closed position and an open position. The secondary gate operably engages with the primary gate to form an ice overflow route when the primary gate and the secondary gate are in the open position. An ice maker is disposed inside the cabinet and adapted to dispense ice into the primary ice storage bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: KEVIN M. CHASE, TONY L. KOENIGSKNECHT, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, KATE E. PRESNELL, THOMAS D. SPICER
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Publication number: 20110138836Abstract: An appliance including an ice manipulation reservoir capable of receiving ice having a base, wherein the base includes a first level and a second level, with the first level descending gradually to the second level. A first ice modification member is disposed inside the ice manipulation reservoir adjacent the first level of the base, and a second ice modification member is disposed inside the ice manipulation reservoir adjacent the second level of the base. A motor is operably connected with the ice manipulation reservoir and includes an output shaft. An impeller is connected with the output shaft proximate to the plurality of ice modification members, with the impeller being operable between a first directional rotation, and a second directional rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: KEVIN M. CHASE, TONY L. KOENIGSKNECHT, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, KATE E. PRESNELL, JEROLD M. VISIN
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Publication number: 20110138828Abstract: An ice collection area is disposed inside the cabinet proximate an ice maker. An ice storage area is disposed inside the cabinet. A first relocatable ice bin is disposed inside the cabinet. The first relocatable ice bin is disposed in one of the ice collection area and the ice storage area. A second relocatable ice bin is disposed inside the cabinet. The second relocatable ice bin is disposed in the other of the ice collection area and the ice storage area.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, THOMAS L. MUELLER, RONALD L. VOGLEWEDE
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Publication number: 20110110706Abstract: An adjustable connector system for use in an appliance is provided, wherein the adjustable connector system includes a channel disposed on a surface of the appliance, an access aperture defined by a surface adjacent the channel, and a utility enabled connector at least partially received in the channel, and extending from the access aperture, wherein the utility enabled connector includes an elongated member configured to at least partially extend along the channel, and extend from the access aperture, and an interface adapted to supply at least one utility to a modular appliance configured to be removably attached to one of a plurality of removable attachment locations on the appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: PAUL B. ALLARD, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, KAREN J. QUERFURTH, ANDREW M. TENBARGE, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, MICHELE E. WILCOX
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Publication number: 20110094255Abstract: A dispensing system suitable for dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom-mount refrigerator is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: J. Anselmino JEFFERY, Jim J. PASTRYK, Nihat CUR, Andrew M. TENBARGE, Karen J. QUERFURTH, Douglas D. LECLEAR
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Patent number: 7931114Abstract: An adapter or an appliance for use with an independently operable consumer electronic device having a user interface. The adapter comprises a holding device forming a device cavity capable of admitting the consumer electronic device in a predetermined orientation. An access opening into the device cavity exposes a portion of the consumer electronic device when the consumer electronic device is in the predetermined orientation. The portion of the consumer electronic device exposed includes at least a portion of the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Douglas D. LeClear, Ruben E. Rothermel, Andrew M. Tenbarge, James W. Kendall, Richard A. McCoy
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Patent number: 7895859Abstract: An dispensing system suitable for lifting and dispensing ice through the refrigerator compartment door of a bottom-mount refrigerator or lifting and dispensing ice from an undercounter ice maker to a dispenser on the countertop.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jeffery J. Anselmino, Jim J. Pastryk, Nihat Cur, Andrew M. Tenbarge, Karen J. Querfurth, Douglas D. Leclear
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Patent number: 7898812Abstract: A modular system comprises multiple hosts, each having a common service interface, multiple consumer electronic devices, each having a service interface that is different from each other and from the common service interface of the hosts, and multiple adapters, each corresponding to one of the consumer electronic devices, to couple the service interfaces of the host and the corresponding consumer electronic device to supply at least one service between the host and the corresponding consumer electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Richard A. McCoy, Douglas D. LeClear
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Publication number: 20100326113Abstract: The tubular conduit system of this invention allows modules requiring utilities to be positioned at any desired location within a cabinet, such as a refrigerator. The conduit is mounted to the cabinet of a refrigerator/freezer or the doors thereof and includes at least one electrical conductor positioned between the outer and inner walls and at least one fluid conduit within the inner wall. The conduit can be made of joined sections using connectors to also couple a module to the conduit such that modules can be installed at consumer selected locations prior to delivery of the refrigerator/freezer to the consumer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: STEVEN J. KUEHL, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR
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Patent number: 7843697Abstract: A vertical device for mounting to a host having a horizontal surface with an upwardly oriented host service interface providing a mechanical service and at least one electrical service as well as an adapter for mounting a vertical device to a host of this type. The device or adapter has a main body with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending generally downwardly from the horizontal portion. A device service interface extends downwardly from the horizontal portion for engagement with the host service interface. At least one functionality is provided on the vertical portion of the vertical device or the adapter.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Richard A. McCoy, Douglas D. Leclear